Bereavement Support

Most of us at some time in our lives will be faced with the death of someone we care deeply about. For those loved one has died under the care of Phyllis Tuckwell we offer a range of bereavement support services to help you through this difficult time.

If you have already accessed emotional support from a member of the Patient and Family Support Team and feel you would like to continue to see the same person we will do our very best to make this happen. However we also have a team of staff and volunteers, who are trained and have a huge amount of experience and knowledge in how to support people who are grieving.

The bereavement support services we offer are:Group bereavement support for adults – Group support is the opportunity to meet with others whose loved one has died and share the difficulties and experiences as you try to come to terms with your loss. It can be very reassuring to find that you are not alone with these feelings and that they are common experiences. The groups are between 4 and 8 people and are facilitated by volunteers and counsellors. They usually run for 6 weeks for around an hour and a half each and are held at the Hospice.

Individual bereavement support for adults – When someone close to us dies, a spectrum of feelings and emotions may be experienced. The magnitude of these feelings can be frightening and overwhelming, some of which you have never experienced before. It is often very helpful to talk about these feelings – some of you may have a close friend or relative who can support you through this, others may find it easier to talk to someone outside their immediate circle. This is where we, at Phyllis Tuckwell, are able to assist. You can access as many or as few sessions as is helpful, and are confidential. Sessions generally last for about an hour and can be at the Hospice, at the Beacon Centre or in your own home. It is best to have a space that is private and free from interruptions.

Thanksgiving Service – Approximately six months after the death of the person who was under the care of Phyllis Tuckwell, their family will receive an invitation to a service of Thanksgiving. This is a time to reflect on your loved one, light a candle and be part of a short service of Thanksgiving. All family and friends are very welcome to attend.

Coffee Morning – This is an opportunity for the bereaved to meet with others whose loved ones have died and share experiences over a cup of coffee. You can just drop in whenever you like and you don’t need to tell us you are coming. It is held on the second Monday of every month between 10am and 11.30am. Buy yourself a coffee and join us! The Squires Garden Centre coffee shop has very kindly offered us their facilities at: Squires Garden Centre, Badshot Lea Road, Farnham GU9 9JX (The Art Café will be reserved for our use)

Although everyone reacts to the death of a loved on in different ways, we have a leaflet on dealing with grief and a booklet on emotional support, which may be of help. For more information about different groups and bereavement support services, please see our Resources page.

Bereavement support is part of the Phyllis Tuckwell Patient and Family Support team; they can be contacted on 01252 729430 or emailed at pafs@pth.org.uk